Kirin

Kirin Apartments, designed by Seattle-based Johnston Architects (JA), embodies artistry, technological innovation and design, expanding their focus on art installations. With just ninety-five residences, Kirin is small in comparison to many of Seattle’s mixed-use buildings, but JA designers integrated useful private and public spaces into its design. The first-floor commercial spaces are ideal for cafes or restaurants, with a covered, landscaped veranda ready for outdoor seating.

JA designers accounted for a variety of furniture layouts and specified high-quality cabinetry and casework to ensure enough storage for residences. Even the 450 SF one bedroom includes a nook big enough for a WFH station, which will come in handy as more of Seattle’s biggest employers maintain remote or hybrid work plans for thousands of employees.

Kirin’s rooftop is laid out to allow for multiple groups to enjoy the space simultaneously. Set against the backdrop of Elliott Bay, a unique forest “path” that meanders between evergreen trees and a fire pit surrounded by comfortable deck chairs turns the space into a four-season hangout. But the building’s most unique space is on full display for residents and pedestrians alike. Utilizing thousands of programmable LEDs and translucent flags, Kirin’s lobby serves as an art gallery with a permanent ceiling installation that pulls a piece of the sky in. Controlled by a natural algorithm and filtering video, the installation creates patterns that move in a heuristic way – mimicking waves or clouds.

Named after a spiritual creature depicted in Asian mythology, Kirin are colorful, peaceful and only punish the wicked. These traits define the space and living experience that JA sought to deliver – artistic, calm and safe. Complementing the permanent art, rotating local artists will be exhibited in the building’s gallery-like lobby space, deepening Kirin’s connection to the arts community.